INEC Reveals When It Will Issue Adeleke Certificate Of Return

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will only issue a certificate of return to PDP’s Sen Ademola Adeleke if the embattled governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola fails to appeal the judgment of the tribunal that sacked him within 21 days.

The Osun State governorship election petition tribunal had on Friday nullified the election of APC’s Oyetola and declared Adeleke winner of the 2018 gubernatorial election.

Justice Peter Obiora who delivered the majority judgment of the tribunal ordered INEC to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return to Adeleke as the lawful and validly elected governor of Osun State.

However, rumours on social media suggested that INEC issued a certificate of return to Adeleke.

Reacting, INEC National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye dismissed the rumours.

“The commission has not issued any new certificate in relation to Osun State.

“Section 143(1) of the Electoral Act gives a candidate whose election is set aside a period of 21days from the date of the decision to appeal against such a decision.”

“The person is entitled to remain in office pending the determination of the appeal. The commission will only issue the certificate if appeal is not lodged within 21 days. The commission has not issued any new certificate in relation to Osun State,” Okoye told Leadership newspaper.

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